HISTORY 2009
Despite ending the year with an second-round playoff elimination, the 2009 season was a good one for the Rebel Softball Club. It was their eighth winning season since 2002 and their second consecutive Monday Night League title.
They said all year that their goal was to get to the postseason and see what happens. But once the Rebels got there, the ultimate goal was left unsaid – after a 36 win regular season and abruptly dispatched from the playoff’s – the Squad left with an empty feeling throughout. While that might seem like an unfair statement, it is one that the Rebels have to live with.
The Rebels had three players who finish in the top 10 in MVP voting. Outfielder Nestor Toro eventually won the award with his (.618 / .706 / 1.039 - 43 XB, 9 HR, 81 RBIs, 103 Runs). He’s been a regular for seven seasons and has won his second MVP award. Pitcher Ralph Lozano has also improved each year of his career. This season, he didn’t quite get to the 20-HR level yet, but 14 big flies and 93 RBI are impressive enough.
How you judge the other Rebel hitters depends on your point of view. If you prefer traditional stats, you might like the 33 extra base hits and 86 RBI of outfielder Rick Garza or the 80 runs scored of outfielder Kevin Simmons, ignoring the Dugdale Park deep alley effect.
In what was likely his final season with the Rebels, shortstop Marcus Sims was above replacement-level.
He started the year strong and no problem finding his stroke through the first four months of the summer.
The strength all year was the fielding, but the offense was highly productive for most of the summer. But, that all came apart in the elimination series against Z-Force / TapOut and Yellow Jackets, when infielders Matt Mitchell and Nate Alden uncharacteristically couldn't hold the lead in with 9 fielding errors. The Rebels combine record was 1 victory and 5 lose.
Without question, the Rebel Club has improved their squad for the 2009 season tremendously. At the moment, they look like the most improved team heading into next season. Add in the thought of that, their top prospects are getting extra playing time and you have to believe they have an undoubtedly better squad.
There’s more young talent coming;
An intriguing system that boasts some high-upside talent in the lower levels, and a handful of prospects that are close to upper league ready, could help push the Rebels back into contention over the next couple of seasons.
The system skews toward hitting, but that’s not a bad thing when considering the attrition rate at Belvidere Park.
Looking Ahead,
As good as the Rebels should feel after a successful season, it won’t be easy to shake the memories of the playoff series. A swath of ugly swings, wild throws, mental mistakes, and questionable roster moves will keep players and fans scratching their heads during the off season. It wasn’t exactly the type of finish that would make free agents eager to stick around next season.
The dramatic emergences of Chris Olson and Steve Fisher. By the end of the Fall League, Olson had earned his No. 3 spot in the batting order, and is the leading candidate for next season Rookie-of-the-Year. Chris Olson showcased overpowering stuff and poise beyond his years. Both Olson and Steve Fisher will be counted on heavily in the up-coming season and beyond.
But also, a solid 2009 campaigns from youngsters such as Saul Molina, David Venegoni, and Josh Grey, plus the return of stars like Matt Mitchell, Kevin Simmons, and (hopefully) Nestor Toro, offer hope for another great summer of softball in 2010.
